Central Processing Supervisor
Job Summary
The Central Processing Manager is responsible for the overall leadership coordination and daily operations of the Central Processing Department within an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). This position ensures that all surgical instruments equipment and supplies are appropriately decontaminated inspected assembled sterilized stored and distributed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements infection prevention standards manufacturer instructions for use (IFUs) and facility policies.
The Central Processing Manager is responsible for maintaining a culture of patient safety quality accountability and continuous improvement. The Manager ensures departmental readiness for The Joint Commission accreditation and other applicable regulatory and accreditation surveys.
- Provide daily leadership supervision and direction to Central Processing staff.
- Establish staffing assignments schedules workflow priorities and departmental coverage based on surgical volume and acuity.
- Ensure timely and accurate processing of instruments and equipment to support scheduled and emergent surgical procedures.
- Monitor departmental productivity workflow turnaround times and staffing needs.
- Maintain appropriate inventory levels of sterile supplies instruments trays and processing supplies.
- Collaborate closely with OR leadership perioperative staff Materials Management Infection Prevention and other departments to ensure uninterrupted surgical operations.
- Develop implement and maintain departmental policies and procedures.
- Ensure all cleaning disinfection inspection assembly packaging sterilization and storage processes are performed according to current standards and manufacturer IFUs.
- Ensure proper operation monitoring documentation and maintenance of sterilization and high-level disinfection equipment.
- Verify appropriate use and documentation of biological indicators chemical indicators and other required sterilization monitoring processes.
- Ensure accurate sterilization load records and traceability from processing through patient use.
- Monitor sterile storage areas for appropriate environmental conditions package integrity expiration/event-related sterility requirements and proper stock rotation.
- Immediately address sterilization failures wet packs compromised packaging equipment failures or other processing concerns according to established procedures.
- Partner with Infection Prevention to investigate and correct potential infection-control risks.
- Maintain departmental compliance with The Joint Commission CMS state health department requirements OSHA CDC guidance and other applicable regulatory and professional standards.
- Maintain knowledge of current AAMI standards and recommended practices applicable to sterile processing.
- Ensure staff follow manufacturer IFUs and that current IFUs are readily accessible and incorporated into departmental processes.
- Prepare the department for accreditation and regulatory surveys and participate in mock surveys and readiness activities.
- Maintain required documentation logs competencies quality records and performance-monitoring data.
- Maintain a state of continuous survey readiness.
- Establish and monitor Central Processing quality indicators and departmental performance metrics.
- Conduct routine audits of cleaning assembly sterilization storage documentation and quality-control processes.
- Track and trend errors tray discrepancies sterilization events damaged instruments missing instruments and other quality indicators.
- Lead or participate in Performance Improvement/Quality Improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve patient safety workflow efficiency instrument availability and cost effectiveness.
- Report significant quality safety or compliance concerns to appropriate leadership.
- Oversee preventive maintenance and repair of sterilizers washers ultrasonic cleaners heat sealers and other Central Processing equipment.
- Coordinate with vendors and Biomedical/Facilities personnel regarding equipment maintenance and service.
- Monitor instrument condition and coordinate repair or replacement of damaged or obsolete instruments.
- Work with OR staff and vendors to evaluate instrument needs and standardize surgical trays when appropriate.
- Ensure loaner instrumentation is appropriately received inspected processed sterilized and returned according to policy and manufacturer requirements.
- Maintain accurate departmental records including sterilization logs biological monitoring results equipment records quality audits competency records and other required documentation.
- Communicate promptly with surgical leadership regarding instrument shortages processing delays equipment failures sterilization concerns or other operational issues.
- Participate in perioperative leadership meetings and quality committees as assigned.
- Maintain confidentiality of patient employee and organizational information.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Current certification as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST) or Certified Sterile Processing and Distribution Technician (CSPDT) preferred.
- Prior supervisory or management experience in Central Sterile Processing/Sterile Processing preferred.
- Previous experience in an ASC hospital operating room or other surgical environment strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated knowledge of sterilization disinfection decontamination surgical instrumentation and infection prevention practices.
- Working knowledge of AAMI standards OSHA requirements CMS requirements and Joint Commission expectations.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement manufacturer IFUs.
- Strong organizational communication leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment.Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to frequently lift push pull and transport instrument trays and equipment in accordance with organizational safety guidelines.
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to heat moisture chemicals biological contaminants and other conditions associated with decontamination and sterilization processes.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to respond to urgent surgical needs and departmental emergencies.
Key Performance ExpectationsThe Central Processing Manager is expected to maintain:
- Patient safety as the highest priority
- Continuous readiness for Joint Commission and regulatory surveys
- 100% compliance with applicable sterilization monitoring and documentation requirements
- Strict adherence to manufacturer IFUs
- Effective instrument availability and turnaround
- Accurate traceability and documentation
- Ongoing staff competency and education
- A culture of accountability teamwork and continuous improvement
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health dental and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
- Life Insurance
- PTO
- 401(k) retirement plan with a company match
- And more!
Equal Employment Opportunity & Work Force Diversity
Our organizationis an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race color creed sex religion marital status age national origin or ancestry physical or mental disability medical condition parental status sexual orientation veteran status genetic testing results or any other consideration made unlawful by federal state or local laws. This practice relates to all personnel matters such as compensation benefits training promotions transfers layoffs our organizationiscommitted to going beyond the legal requirements of equal employment opportunity to take positive actions which ensure diversity in the workplace and result in a multi-cultural organization.
Required Experience:
Manager
About Company
Surgery Partners, a leading operator of surgical facilities and ancillary services, provides healthcare experiences between providers and patients.